Wat Mahawan Temple
Historic Buddhist temple in Thailand
Wat Mahawan in Chiang Mai's old city features Lanna-style ordination halls, a gilded chedi and daily monk rituals; visitors typically combine temple visits with markets and nearby street food.
Wat Mahawan at a Glance#
Wat Mahawan sits just outside the west gate of Lamphun’s old city. Though less frequently visited than Wat Hariphunchai and Wat Chama Thevi, it is thought to date back more than a thousand years, and it lies directly between the other two temples, so it is well worth dropping by on the way.
There are no ancient relics here apart from a small black Buddha image called the Phra Rot Luang, housed in the viharn. The temple’s most striking feature is its trio of fearsome nagas guarding the steps up to the viharn, their snarling mouths lined with lethal-looking pointed teeth and their writhing postures making them appear about to pounce. A tall, slender bell tower stands in a lush tropical garden.
How to Get to Wat Mahawan#
Wat Mahawan is inside Chiang Mai’s old city. From Chiang Mai’s main transport hubs (the Arcade Bus Terminal or Chiang Mai Railway Station) take a short songthaew/tuk‑tuk ride or walk; from Tha Phae Gate the temple is roughly a 10-15 minute walk into the old‑city area where the temple is located.
Best Time to Visit Wat Mahawan#
Visit Chiang Mai's temples in the cool, dry season (November-February) for the most pleasant sightseeing conditions.
Weather & Climate near Wat Mahawan#
Wat Mahawan's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Moderate rainfall (954 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm, feeling like 28°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (168 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (177 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
